Can't believe how cutesome of these frogs are. Really.And the book does an amazing job giving insight into the lifeof a scientist, both inside the lab and out. But it is not for the young children - ages 11+.Fascinating.

We won't give up television, but he has me thinking about why my childrenknow more about swimming in pools than rivers,creating Lego structures than tree-housesand can perceive the unique design of a movie theatermore than a farm.We make time each week to hike trails

around our home and nearby lake,but we can do more.

I have made peace with the frozen insects

in my freezer, reminding myself that his

love of nature might someday save it.

The book may inspire you to take your next family vacationsomewhere devoid of parking lots and endless crowds.

Please visit the entire story on lovely Layla's the Lettered Cottage.It is one of the most beautiful home love stories I have ever read. Please just go over there now.I won't be mad if you leave me for a few minutes.I am super patient like that. Comes from having kids. And you can enter to win a copy of the book, A Very Modest Cottage.

We are blessed to live in an outdoor paradise. If youare a Davidson (or nearby) resident, consider supporting the Davidson Land Conservancy. Their WOW (World of Wonder) program for families, a partnership with Woodlands Discovery,is exceptional. By clicking onthe links above you can learn about upcomingevents and programs that are designed to get you out of the house and into the great outdoors.

As far as favorite outdoor childhood memories -- there are so many!! My family camped a lot when I was a kid and I spent my summer's on my uncle's and grandfather's farms... but honestly - my favorite is probably the ring of trees is a nearby empty lot that my best friend and I made our playhome. I remember the shape of the trees, and the way the sunlight dappled through their leaves, I remember imagining myself far away (I dreamed mostly of Alaska in those days!) ... Great times.

Shary, don't you just love how books connect us? Broaden our world? Me too. I did a post on Gerald Durrell last month. It is one of our all time favorite read alouds. It inspired our summer map (which we have sadly neglected the past two weeks). You made me so happy just thinking of Gerald and Roger! You can find the link here:http://thegreatread.blogspot.com/2011/07/summer-map-update-1.html

It is indeed sad that humanity in the Western Civilization has been separated so thoroughly from the very nature we sprang from. It may even be directly related to the restlessness and depression so many of us feel.

My most wonderful nature memory involves the rocks and silent sands of the Mojave Desert, quite possibly the most spiritual place I have ever been blessed to stand within.

Hi JoJo! He mentions that in the book, that our "nature-deficit" has possibly caused multiple problems, including hyperactivity in children and depression in adults. I know that since we have moved to a nature-friendly community (everyone here bikes, walks, runs, etc.) that my moods have improved - and I spend more time outdoors because my neighbors are all outdoors.

The Mojave sounds wonderful! I grew up in Idaho and some of my favorite memories were camping near Garden Valley. So glad that we can carry on similar traditions with our children.

Beautiful post. Your writing and pictures are certainly a good advertisement for visiting NC!

I definitely buy into the "nature deficit disorder" argument because I see the difference, on a micro level, in my own family when we spend the majority of our time outdoors vs. in.

My favorite nature memory as a child is almost identical to elfqueen's: playing and imagining for hours each day on a heavily forested empty lot in my Michigan neighborhood. As an adult: a night experiencing the "Sounds of Silence" in the Australian outback. Amazing.

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Thank you for visiting! This blog was born out of a passion to share the borrowed beauty of the library, and the happiness that comes from reading with your children. I'm not compensated in any way, nor do I work for the library, but want to show you how to spend less and share more. Borrow the Beauty, Keep The Knowledge. Live ~ Learn ~ Library. Questions? Email me at mctrovato@hotmail.com